The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has staged a nationwide protest against the persistent attacks on schools and the abduction of teachers and students across the country, while directing teachers in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike over the continued captivity of their colleagues and pupils.
Speaking during a World Press Conference after leading the nationwide solidarity rally, the National President of NUT, Comrade Titus Amba, called on the Federal Government, state governments and security agencies to intensify efforts toward securing the immediate release of all abducted teachers and learners.
Amba said the peaceful nationwide protest was organised in solidarity with teachers and students currently being held captive by bandits and terrorists in different parts of the country.
According to him, on May 15, 2026, seven teachers and 39 pupils were abducted from schools in Orile Local Government Area of Oyo State. He added that on the same day, more than 40 pupils were reportedly kidnapped from Musa Primary and Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
He lamented that the victims had remained in captivity for over two weeks under what he described as inhumane conditions, leaving their families in anguish and uncertainty.
“It is heartbreaking to note that two of our colleagues have been gruesomely murdered in cold blood by the bandits in Oyo State, while the fate of the remaining abductees hangs in the balance,” Amba said.
He noted that the union had continued to receive distress calls from abducted teachers appealing to government authorities and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and secure their freedom.
In response to the prolonged detention of the victims and the absence of any clear indication of their imminent rescue, the NUT directed all primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services indefinitely with effect from June 1, 2026.
The union demanded the immediate, unconditional and safe release of all teachers and students currently in captivity across the country.
“We gather in one accord to state unequivocally that the safety of teachers and learners must never be treated with levity. An attack on teachers is an attack on education, and an attack on education is an attack on the future of Nigeria,” Amba stated.
The NUT further called on the Federal and State Governments, relevant authorities and security agencies to act swiftly, decisively and responsibly to rescue all abducted teachers and students and reunite them with their families.
Addressing the victims still in captivity, Amba assured them that they had not been forgotten.
“The NUT stands with you and will continue to advocate and demand your freedom until you return safely. We pray for God’s protection over the victims, comfort for the affected families, and lasting peace and security for our nation,” he said.
